March 1, 2026
Introduction to Modern Square Dancing – Helping Clubs Grow
There are many reasons why clubs do not grow. They do not form a committee to design achievable goals; their marketing plan and efforts start too late; club members prefer the ‘status quo;’ club members do not get involved in the pursuit of new members; to name a few.
While our Club has had a good record in attracting new members through our ‘Introduction to Modern Square Dancing’ program, we can relate to the above reasons.
Growth in SWOSDA Clubs starts with a paradigm shift from “we have tried everything in the past to no avail” to “WE CAN DO THIS”!
Marketing plans to achieve growth start NOW and CONTINUE throughout the year before or after an in-take program.
Representing an inexpensive marketing plan to attract new dancers, the following strategies are key:
1. Word of Mouth and Social Media marketing by all club members, other clubs, and reaching out to other organizations.
2. Business Cards to be used by everyone throughout the year to spread the word on the program, contacts to call for further information, and benefits of the activity.
Every club has its own ‘Micro Market’ typically and is used when looking for new dancers. However, with many clubs, they do not recognize that people today are willing to travel farther for their own entertainment and fun. This micro market is then significantly increased in size to a larger demographic.
A third strategy, as clubs approach the start date of their intake program, is the use of Flyers and posting these in various public locations, the Bugle, other clubs, etc. about eight weeks prior.
Initially, clubs need to invest in Business Cards. These can be always used by various members since they are not dated.
Given the above, we can help any club with the set-up of their plans, communication plans, email examples and, most importantly, encouragement to pursue their goals.
Tom and Jo Kahnert, Strathroy Swinging Duos Past Presidents
2023-24 SWOSDA Past Presidents
tomk2005@gmail.com